In putting forth growth management legislation, Washington State recognized that the environment, open space and recreation, historical and archaeological resources, and citizen participation and coordination were integral to quality of life of its citizens. The State, and Clallam County, have acknowledged that growth itself can degrade the environment. Careful management is necessary to limit the environmental impacts of growth. Identifying and encouraging the preservation of lands, sites, and structures that have historical or archaeological significance can help put into perspective the development of our natural and physical resources.

Quality of life elements – clean air and water, open space, public access to recreational opportunities, historic and cultural sites – draw new residents, businesses, and tourists to Clallam County. This quality of life can be used to attract employment and business to the area which meet the needs of local and regional residents, enhance the local economic base, yet do not degrade the environment. A healthy environment is a valuable economic asset worth protecting and building upon, as well as an aesthetic amenity for residents and tourists.

Clallam County recognizes that our wetlands, streams, and aquifers are essential elements of infrastructure much as roads, culverts, and other structural facilities are essential to the developed environment. Loss of function and value due to degradation, contamination, or outright destruction has the potential to affect not only the well-being of individual landowners, but the community as a whole. Uncontrolled and untreated stormwater carried through our waterways damages the entire system, with large cumulative effects downstream. Loss of water storage capacity must be replaced using public funds and at a high cost. Fish, shellfish, and wildlife have economic benefits for tourism as well as commercial and recreational harvest, but more importantly, indicate the overall health of our watersheds. Shellfish, whether harvested or not, perform a valuable function in filtering contaminants from water. Flood damage can devastate community resources, with human health and safety impacts, economic losses, and loss of infrastructure and habitat. Aquifers are rechargeable, but remediation of a contaminated drinking water supply is costly and sometimes impossible. While we enjoy clean air in Clallam County, airborne contaminants can be transported to our land and water resources during precipitation.

The citizens of Clallam County have invested time, energy, and tax dollars in implementing education, incentive, and regulatory programs to prevent nonpoint source pollution through citizen-based watershed management plans. Because a portion of Clallam County is in the Puget Sound Basin, local activities have regional impacts on a national resource. Clallam County has a responsibility to protect citizens’ investment in environmental quality.

One of the best ways to protect the environment is through the simple retention and protection of open space. Left alone, reserve lands act as buffers between developed areas and sensitive habitat, provide wildlife corridors, and protect and enhance the aesthetic values associated with water resources. Fragmented habitat leaves native plants and animals vulnerable to predation and invasion by non-native species. By providing open space, connecting open space corridors, and maintaining open space as buffers between land uses, the plant and animal communities unique to the Olympic Peninsula can be protected.

In managing environmental and open space resources, the County should recognize development rights as well as other private property rights. Private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. Incentives provided to landowners would encourage them to provide public benefit or amenities on private property. Other programs, including purchase of development rights, would work towards conserving lands for public benefit.

A variety of environmentally oriented tourist and recreational opportunities exist in Clallam County; however, the limited availability of public access to recreation results in high-use impacts to a few isolated areas. Intensive, unmanaged public access can damage riparian and estuarine values and increase maintenance needs. A balanced approach which provides wider opportunities for the public to enjoy the benefits of a clean, healthy environment, but ensures that the environment remains clean and healthy, should be sought.

As land develops, we marginally lose aesthetic values which contribute to the quality of life for our citizens. One of the benefits of rural living often taken for granted until lost is the ability to observe the night sky. Residential and commercial lighting, while desirable for public safety, can diminish our opportunities to observe and reflect upon the universe in which we live.

A variety of historical and cultural (archaeological) resources exist in Clallam County. The unincorporated areas do not have the concentration of historical resources found in the more urbanized areas, such as Port Angeles. These resources enhance the County’s overall quality of life and create a sense of local identity and history. Clallam County can contribute to the stewardship of historical and cultural resources through careful planning and review.